Helen Knouse
Howland – Helen L. Knouse passed away peacefully on Monday evening, September 22, 2025, at Shepherd of the Valley in Howland, at the age of 98. She was born on June 7, 1927, in Youngstown, the daughter of the late Wilhelm J. and Hermine (Von Kranik) Schwartz.
Helen was a graduate of The Rayen School, class of 1945. She retired from Forum Health on March 1, 1993, after working part-time for 36 years as a telephone operator at both Northside and Southside Medical Centers. Helen was also a telephone operator with the Ohio Bell Telephone Company.
Helen, who was a generous, kindhearted, and deeply devoted woman, will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her quiet strength, and her selfless nature. She was the heart of her home, a steady presence whose warmth and wisdom brought comfort and guidance to all who knew her. Her gentle spirit, compassionate heart, and sense of humor left an indelible mark on generations. Whether through a comforting word, a listening ear, or a thoughtful gesture, Helen had a way of making others feel truly seen and loved.
She will be deeply missed by her devoted husband of 59 years, Joseph Knouse, whom she married on September 23, 1966, and by her four children: Diane Hafely and Lori (Harry) Stull, both of Howland, Mark T. (Britt) Knouse of North Carolina, and Robert (Pam) Knouse of California. She also leaves behind a loving legacy in her ten grandchildren: Mandi (Eddie) Kuhn of Champion, Brandi Battison of Howland, Brooke (Bryan) Melvin of Hudson, Jennifer (Rich) Bundy of McDonald, Reese Knouse of North Carolina, Seth and Lance Knouse of North Carolina, and Dustin (Sarah) Knouse of California; and ten great-grandchildren: Dominic and Taylor Kuhn, Zoe Nalbach, Talia Fadem, Patrick Bundy, Brylee and Blakely Melvin, Troy and Travis Battison, and Mordekai Knouse.
Other than her parents, Helen was preceded in death by a son, Donald W. Suttelle; two brothers, William J. and Oscar Schwartz; and three sisters, Hermine (Ted) Csiky, Gertrude (David) Hamilton, and Elfrieda (Howard) Warren.
Friends may call on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5 to 7 PM and again from 10 to 10:45 AM on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, where a service will be held at 11 AM. Interment will follow in Howland Township Cemetery.